Structural modular building connector

ABSTRACT

A connector assembly, having an upper connector coupled to a lower connector and a gusset plate sandwiched between the upper and lower connectors. Also, disclosed is a hoistable connector assembly, a lifting frame assembly, a coupling system for modular frame units, a method for assembling a module unit using the connector assembly, and a modular frame unit and building having the connector assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisionalapplication 61/986,438 filed Apr. 30, 2014, having the title STRUCTURALMODULAR BUILDING CONNECTOR. The content of the above patent applicationsis hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in into thedetailed description thereof.

FIELD

The invention relates to a connector assembly, a hoistable connectorassembly using the connector assembly, a method for coupling modularframe units having the connector assembly, a method of assembling amodular unit having the connector assembly and a building having theconnector assembly.

BACKGROUND

Prefabricating modular building units constructed from standardizedcomponents in a controlled factory setting can be desirable due to thelowered costs and the increased quality which is obtainable incomparison to performing similar work on an outdoor construction jobsite.

Thus prefabricated modular building units having a floor, walls and anoverhead structure, and which contain all the systems and furnishingspre-installed within them are preferred and well known in the art.Building assembly systems composed of the means and methods to join twoor more modular building units together to form a larger structure arealso well known in the art.

Devices which engage a specially prepared aperture on the upper or sidesurface of the structural frame so as to provide a releasable connectionfor the purpose of lifting and moving the modular building units arewell known in the art.

A limitation to the construction of slender or tall buildings usingfactory-built modules is the inability of economically constructedmodules to resist and transmit the large moments and tension forcesresulting from wind and seismic forces and the large compression loadsresulting from the effect of gravity on the building and occupants.Further, all of these force types are exaggerated by narrowness in oneor both axes of the building. These effects are greatest in the lowerfloors and rise in proportion to increasing height and slenderness, soforces are also largest at the lower floors. It is a characteristic ofmany modular construction systems that the pinned nature of theconnections between adjacent modules and the lack of diagonal bracingbeyond that necessary for integrity in shipping can limit theeffectiveness of force transmission through a larger assembly ofconventional module types.

The state of the art for constructing tall or slender building usingmodules as taught in the art cited herein is to maintain the economiesof scale in production by either reinforcing the entirety of all modulesof which the building is composed, so all contribute to resisting theforces in a distributed fashion as a stack of ocean freight containersdo; or to employ large columns which are situated within or outside ofthe walls of all of the modules, creating an alternate load path; or toconstruct an adjoining or interconnected brace frame which by-passes themodules and transmits the large loads to the ground through thesecondary structure; or to make use of a tension rod or cable whichpasses vertically through the building to anchor the modules againstuplift and lateral drift. All of the above noted approaches can havelimitations in the achievable resistance to forces and transmission offorces, or require the erection of an additional structure, which inturn can limit the achievable height or increases the amount of materialused, therefore increasing the cost.

Additionally, methods of construction which employ large columns,particularly when grouped at corners or where occurring at intermediatelocations within the walls result in larger spaces between modules,and/or walls of increased thickness which reduces the useful floor areaof the resulting building, and/or projections which limit the free useof the voids and walls for the purposes of installing fixtures such ascabinets and shower stalls, and/or which imposes other limitations onthe use of the space by the inhabitants, thereby decreasing the value ofthe resultant building.

Additionally, methods of modular building construction which employsecondary frames add to the assembly time for the building, increasingthe cost and duration of construction and reducing the useful floorarea, thereby decreasing the value of the resultant building.

Creating a multiplicity of dissimilar module types each having uniquedetails relative to the forces acting on the module within a building isundesirable, as increased variation increases the number of uniquecomponents which must be measured, cut and inventoried until use.Additionally, setups of the manufacturing tooling required to accuratelylocate these parts relative to each other for assembly is error-proneand therefor normally executed by skilled persons, so any increase inthe number of setups adds to both production time and cost.

Because the members comprising a networked structure must be of nearlyidentical length, creating the numerous features required to accuratelyassemble modules by welding or other means, the subsequent location andconnection of the subassemblies of which a module is made, the riggingand hoisting of the completed modules and the fastening of the modulesto form structurally sound groupings which provide redundant andadequate load paths as currently practiced, requires a number ofprecision cutting and assembly operations which increase cost.

It is well known in the art that a moment-connected module frame orbuilding frame reduces the need for diagonal reinforcing elements whichotherwise obstruct the view of the occupants and hinder the installationand maintenance of building services. However moment connections whichrequire expansive splice plates as a means of connection require clearaccess to one or more faces of the module, thus increasing the amount ofenclosing and finishing work which must be completed at the site.

Some embodiments of a modular building which best suit the siteconditions, the needs of the occupants and the aesthetic tastes of thearchitect or owner may be composed of module forms having non-orthogonalshapes, including tapering, curving, polygonal etc. however existingsystems for the construction of structural modules suited to tallbuilding construction are by nature not suited to non-orthogonal shapes.

Varying shapes of modules and the varying location of walls, fixturesand other components causes the centre of gravity of modules used toconstruct a building or to furnish a single floor of said building, tovary. To facilitate placement while reducing the clearances to a minimumit is desirable to have the side walls of the modules oriented asclosely to perpendicular as possible during hoisting. It has been thecase that lengthy delays and repeated trial lifts are required to effectadjustments of the rigging so as to achieve this desirable condition.The time required to make the required changes in turn increases thetotal duration of the hoisting operation, thus increasing costs for bothlabour and equipment such as cranes as well as delaying the completionof the building.

The requirement to place and inter-connect modules which are notaccurate increases the amount of space required between modules, whichincreases the difficulty of fireproofing the structure and thedifficulty of interconnecting the members so as to achieve the greatestpossible strength as well as making integration of modules in tostructural groups more difficult and wasting space and providing spacefor the circulation of sound, smoke and vermin.

The dimensions of a module and the positional disposition of the memberswithin it defines the position and size of the outer wall facings, ofthe mechanical services, of the abutting and adjoining modules and ofthe support structures beneath the building and a such there is aninterdependent relationship between all the elements of which a modularbuilding is composed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanyingdrawings which show example embodiments of the present application, andin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from a side of a lower corner connector;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view from an inner face of the lowercorner connector;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view from an inner face of an invertedlower corner connector of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from a side of an upper corner connector;

FIG. 5 is another perspective view from an inner face of the uppercorner connector;

FIG. 6 is another perspective view from an outer face of an invertedupper corner connector of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a lowerconnector;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of an invertedlower connector;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a modular frame showing theconnection between an upper and lower corner connector;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a coupling assemblyconnecting two modular frames;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of acoupling assembly connecting four modular frames;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a coupling assembly connecting themodular frames as shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a hallway slab having pedestals forcoupling to the connector assembly, as disclosed herein;

FIG. 14 discloses sections of embodiments of a modular frame having theconnector assembly, disclosed herein;

FIG. 15 discloses a top view of a section of the embodiments of amodular frame having the connector assembly, disclosed herein;

FIG. 16 discloses a top view of a section of the embodiments of amodular frame having the connector assembly, disclosed herein;

FIG. 17 discloses a perspective view of a section of an embodiment of amodular frame having the connector assembly, disclosed herein;

FIG. 18 discloses a perspective view of a section of embodiments of amodular frame having the connector assembly, disclosed herein;

FIG. 19 discloses a perspective view of a section of another embodimentof a modular frame having the connector assembly, disclosed herein;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view from a side of a third second embodimentof a lower corner connector;

FIG. 21 is another perspective view from the side of a fourth embodimentof the lower corner connector;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view from a side of a fifth embodiment of alower corner connector;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view from a side of a sixth embodiment of alower corner connector;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view from a side of a second embodiment of anupper corner connector;

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of a seventh embodiment of a lowercorner connector;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view from an outer face of the seventhembodiment of a lower corner connector;

FIG. 27(a & b) is a perspective view showing the upper and lower facesof a column to connector size transition adapter;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view from a side of an eighth embodiment of alower plate connector;

FIG. 29 is a plan view of the lower plate connector shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view from a side of a third embodiment of anupper corner connector;

FIG. 31 is a plan view of the third embodiment of the upper cornerconnector shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view from a side of a ninth embodiment of alower corner connector;

FIG. 33 is a plan view of the ninth embodiment of a lower cornerconnector;

FIG. 34 (a & b) is a (a) perspective view and (b) a plan view of anembodiment of a gusset plate;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view from a side of a fourth embodiment of anupper corner connector;

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of a coupling assembly showingan embodiment of an upper and lower connector with a gusset plate inbetween;

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment ofcoupling assembly showing an embodiment of an upper and lower connectorwith a gusset plate in between;

FIG. 38 (a & b) shows (a) an embodiment of a gusset plate and (b) afurther embodiment of a gusset plate with a connection block;

FIG. 39 (a & b) shows an embodiment of (a) a side view and (b) aperspective view of structurally graduated stack with increasing numbersof vertical elements; and

FIG. 40 (a & b) shows another embodiment of (a) a side view and (b) aperspective view of a structurally graduated stack with increasing sizeof vertical elements.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Applications of the invention disclosed herein, and some relatedaspects, as would be recognized by a person of skill in the art, havebeen described and disclosed in a related PCT application numberPCT/CA2014/050110, filed Feb. 14, 2014, the subject matter of which isincorporated herein by reference.

The present invention can help address the need for a compact, accurate,load-bearing, moment-connected, versatile and complete system ofinterrelated components for the orientation and assembly of moduleframes, which can facilitate quick and dependable rigging and hoistingof the completed modules and can provide for the connection of themodules to each other and to other necessary components of the buildingwithout the need for excessive unfinished areas so as to take fulladvantage of the structural properties of the modules and which definesand reduces the number of parts, provides features without the need forthe fabrication of complex connections in the joining areas, excessiveprecision in the cutting of the required materials, the execution ofdifficult welds in difficult positions and a multiplicity of precisionsetups.

Specifically, the present invention consists of a system of componentsfor the fabrication and assembly of building modules and to interconnectthe modules to form buildings composed of those modules, together with amethod for the definition of the number, selection and articulation ofthose components to be used in creating a modules suited to a specificconfiguration.

The present invention can also help to address the need for a system ofcomponents and work methods which allow a fabricator to economically andsafely construct buildings of a wide range of types, from single familydwellings to towers of over 20 stories in a plurality of forms,including but not limited to orthogonal, tapering, radiating and curvingshapes.

The specification has been initially subdivided in to a section for eachcomponent or group of components for convenience in reading.

Corner Blocks

The current invention provides upper and lower load-bearing connectorsor blocks which in one embodiment are corner blocks. In a particularembodiment, the blocks are substantially quadrilateral and in otherembodiments have polygonal or asymmetrical shapes. These blocks can bemass-produced with features that provide a multiplicity of functions soas to concentrate the precision operations in a small number and size ofobjects and reduce the amount and complexity of work that must beperformed on other members. The upper and lower blocks are of distinctforms and, in one embodiment, are located on the upper and lower ends ofthe vertical corner members (columns) of generally angular, tubular orbuilt-up form, which perform the function of multi-story columns whenmodules so constructed are joined using the features on the blocks toform a larger or taller structure.

Likewise other features on the blocks engage the horizontal members ofthe building and perform the function of continuous horizontal memberswhen modules so constructed are joined to form a larger or widerstructure.

In a particular embodiment, the blocks have arms projecting at aplurality of angles including but not limited to perpendicular to thefaces of the blocks providing for the location and welding of adjoiningmembers at a plurality of angles. In a particular embodiment, thepresent invention thus facilitates the fabrication and erection ofmodules including but not limited to orthogonal, tapering, radiating andcurving shapes. The threaded and unthreaded holes in the arms achievethe positioning of threaded fasteners and the vertical walls of the armsprovide an increase in the load-bearing capacity and transmission of thecompression and tension forces created by the forces acting on thebuilding and by the action of the fasteners.

In a particular embodiment, the blocks have holes in both the body andthe arms for the passage and receiving of bolts with nuts or arethreaded to receive bolts, so as to provide continuity of verticaltension through the columns and a moment resisting interconnectionbetween adjacent modules or other building structures. The tensionresistance resulting from the connection of the columns in the verticalplane enables the structure to resist uplift where it occurs andproduces friction on the gusset plate so as to convey forces to thelateral members in the horizontal plane with a high level of fixity.

More specifically, during assembly, the surface of the arms which bearagainst the gusset plate from both above and below are made tight

In a particular embodiment, the bolts are accessible within the wallcavity or other such places and can be arranged flush or below thesurface such that a removable patch can be easily configured to coverthe location of the bolt and ensure continuity of the fireproofingmaterials surrounding the load-bearing structures. In a particularembodiment as with connection to the underside of a roof assembly, thebolts may be inserted from the bottom up.

In a particular embodiment, the blocks have projecting features on thedistal end faces of the block located to provide backing for theassembly welding, reducing the structural impact of a weld to aconnecting member that is cut too short or with an out-of square end orother imperfection reducing the probability of a worker executing anon-conforming welded connection between the corner blocks and themembers which are welded to the block and a beveled feature so locatedon the outside of the block located so as to reduce the likelihood thata weld will require grinding so it does not project beyond the surfaceand conflict with an adjoining module.

The holes in the corner blocks provide a means of connection totie-downs and hoisting devices. In a particular embodiment, the upperface of the block is prepared with an opening in to which aquick-release connector can be inserted so as to provide a means ofquickly and dependably connecting and disconnecting the module to alifting device.

In a particular embodiment the blocks have features on the contact faceswhich engage with corresponding features on the gusset plate so as toincrease the resistance to slippage along the contact plane as mightoccur during a seismic event.

In a particular embodiment, the blocks have projecting flanges co-planarwith the faces to which floor or ceiling finishes are to be applied toprovide a continuous backer in the area of the fastener access leave-outso as to improve air-tightness and provide support to the flooring orceiling material. In use, the flooring material covers the top face ofthe frame up to the end of the arms of the block, but is cut away at theblock to expose the top face to allow for the insertion of the bolts forassembly. This can leave the flooring unsupported. The flange shown canhelp to support the floor in that area and to create a continuoussurface so there is no crack in the sealing between floors, which canhelp with fireproofing.

In a particular embodiment the blocks have a multiplicity of holes onthe vertical surface for the connection of accessories such asbalconies, hallways and facade treatments.

In a particular embodiment, the blocks have one, two, three or moreholes for the passage of vertical tension fasteners and there is onesuch hole for each vertical structural member which may be centeredabove it. In another particular embodiment, there are two or more holesfor each vertical member. The length of the arms on the blocks throughwhich the fasteners pass and the length of the arms on the gusset platebetween the blocks vary in relation to the number of such holes.

In a particular embodiment the lower block has openings through the faceso as to reduce the amount of steel which must be drilled or otherwiseremoved from the casting to allow passage of the bolts. In combinationwith this feature or separately the block may be reinforced with ribs toas to augment the load bearing capacity and resistance to twisting.

Another component is a block having features on its one end prepared toreceive a tubular structural member of one dimension and having featureson the other end prepared to receive a tubular member of anotherdimension, or the corresponding features of a block, and having taperedsides and internal ribs or other reinforcing means so as to transmit theforces between the two members without distorting. As shown in FIG. 40,it can be desirable to change sizes of columns in relation to the load.Smaller columns are used in the upper parts of the building where loadsare smaller, larger columns in the lower parts where load are higher dueto the accumulated gravity load and increased overturning forces. Thecomponent shown in FIG. 27 allows a column of one size to be placed ontop of a connector of the next larger size, as for instance a 4″×4″column on a 6″×6″ connection block, which is in turn on top of a modulewith 6″ square columns. This eliminates the need for specialized adapterblocks having two different end configurations as these have expensivetooling but are produced in small quantities.

Another component is a block configured so as to allow a columnfabricated from plate to be welded to its exterior vertical faces so asto bear directly on and connect to a connection prepared in a similarmanner or a block of the types previously described. As can beappreciated by someone knowledgeable in the art two or more such columnsjoined in to a T or X configuration can achieve both large weights perfoot and increased cross-section resulting in greater bucklingresistance without projecting in to the occupied spaces of a building.

Gusset Plate

Another component is a plate which is interposed between the blocks atthe top and bottom ends of columns or groups of columns, which hasupward-facing tapered locating pins for engaging and directing adescending module by sliding contact with a corresponding locatingrecess on the underside of a the corner block thus locating the modulein the correct position for fastening. The plate also provides throughholes for use in connecting adjacent modules with bolts to providestructural continuity in the horizontal plane both during constructionand in the completed building and by virtue of its ductility, foraccommodating slight variations in column length so as to ensure acontinuous load path which bears equally on all members of the columngroup thus formed. As can be appreciated by someone knowledgeable in theart, the plate can be shaped to fit between a single vertical column orbetween two or more columns arranged in an orthogonal or otherdisposition. In a particular embodiment shims of a similar dimension andprepared with appropriate holes are placed in one or both sides of theconnection to accommodate for variations in the finished dimensions ofthe modules thus maintaining the correct geometry of the modules stack.

In a particular embodiment, the gusset plate is provided withprojections on its upper and lower faces which engage with correspondinggrooves in the contact faces of the blocks above and below so as toincrease the resistance to sliding movement as might occur during aseismic event and reduce the load which such movement would apply to theshanks of the vertical tension fasteners.

Stairwells and Elevator Shafts

The system of the present invention allows for the fabrication ofmodules within which are installed stairs or elevating devices and whichseparate at the mateline between two modules without a significantvisual or functional disruption.

Overheight Modules

The system of the present invention allows for the fabrication ofmodules which comprise the upper and lower halves of habitable volumeswhich are taller than shipping restrictions will normally allow andwhich are joined at the mateline between two or more stacked moduleswithout a significant visual or functional disruption.

Hallways

Another group of components of the present invention is a structuralhallway floor that is made from a suitable material such as reinforcedconcrete, sandwich plate, wood or formed metal together with supportingpedestals. In a particular embodiment, the slab is composed ofreinforced concrete with reinforcement bars placed so that features onthe support pedestals engage them so as to resist bending of thepedestals, thus creating a moment connection between stacks of adjacentmodules thus connected. The pedestals are provided with holes that alignwith corresponding holes in the upper and lower corner blocks and serveto connect two parallel stacks of modules as well as connecting theadjacent columns within a stack on one side so as to create a combinedload path. The pedestals and floor slabs may also be connected to thesides or ends of a stack of modules on one side of the slab and abalcony support frame on the outside to form a building with balconiesor breezeways. The floor slab and pedestal assemblies can also be usedas convenient carriers for building services such as ducts, pipes andwiring to facilitate the fabrication of these components off site in thefactory environment.

In a particular embodiment the gusset plate can be extended as requiredand provided with holes for the passage of fasteners to support andengage accessory support and connection assemblies of a variety ofsizes.

System of Interdependent Detailing

The present invention also comprises a pre-determined grid upon whichthe dimensioning of the interconnected elements of subject building arebased together with a system of fixtures which ensure the grid ismaintained throughout all fabricated assemblies in all axes whichensures an accurate and interdependent relationship extending fromcorner blocks, to members, to subassemblies, to modules and to wholebuildings in all axes. The dimensioning system thus serves to reducefractional element and module sizing, to increase the number of commonparts and to reduce the difficulty of coordination with foundation andpodium contractors and which facilitates the work of all internal orexternal suppliers of components to be integrated in the modules sofabricated.

In a particular embodiment, the system is based on increments of no moreor no less than two inches in three axes with a centre-to-centreaccuracy between holes used for fastening of plus or minus 1/32″ and anoutside to outside dimensional accuracy of all mating surfaces of plus0″ minus 1/16″.

Fixtures

The present invention includes a system for the assembly of the moduleframes which ensures that modules conform to the grid established above,and that no part of a module projects beyond the outermost idealdimension, which increases the achievable speed of assembly and accuracyof the structure and, eliminates the possibility of additive dimensionaldrift, resulting in a reduction in the difficulty of erection, thedifficulty of fireproofing, the possibility of interconnecting moduleswith a greater degree of fixity and a reduction in wall thickness andwasted space.

Table Fixture

A component of the system of the present invention is an adjustablefixture consisting of a flat table or a flat table mounted on trunionsto allow pivoting, which is of sufficient thickness and prepared with agrid of holes to receive vertical pins so located as to orient thecomponents of a module ceiling or floor frame for assembly welding, thuscreating module subassemblies such as floors, ceilings and walls. Thelocating holes are laid out so as to ensure that modules conform to thegrid established above, which is coordinated with other buildingelements to ensure that the modules thus produced are easily assembledin to form a complete module and the complete module can be assembled toform a building. The pins are equipped with a system of spacers used inensuring the correct elevation of the components of the assembly so asto produce flush conditions as required for the application of floor orceiling surfaces. The fixture is thus configured to ensure that weldingis executed in a position ideal for the structural welding and so as toensure that the completed parts do not exceed the tolerance enveloperesulting in accumulating tolerance conditions.

Rotating Fixture

Another component of the present invention is an adjustable androtatable fixture which orients a ceiling frame, a floor frame, thecorner columns, the intermediate columns, the column reinforcements andthe diagonal bracing, all of a plurality of dimensions; relative to eachother for assembly welding so as to ensure that modules conform to thegrid established above ensuring ease in the interconnection of modulesand so as to ensure that the completed parts do not exceed the toleranceenvelope and to ensure the parts can be oriented in a position ideal forthe execution of the structural welds.

Quick Connect Hoisting Connector

Another component of the present invention is a releasable and compactquick-connector which is employed in the attachment of the hoistingapparatus to the module, which is installed in a specially preparedopening in the corner blocks, from above, without tools, which isresistant to being accidentally released and which can be removedwithout tools. In a particular embodiment, the connector is structurallyideal in that the upward-facing bearing surface of the toggle and thecorresponding downward-facing bearing surface of the receiving block andthe tension-loaded part of the toggle shaft which conveys the load fromthe bearing surface to the hoisting apparatus are in ideal proportion soas to maximize the load-bearing capacity of the combined elements withinthe most compact space and while maintaining the dimensional limits ofthe assembly within the top face of the corner block.

Hoisting Frame

Another component of the present invention is a hoisting apparatus whichis arranged so as to suspend the load in an ideal posture for placementin the building, which in a particular embodiment is horizontal andwhich provides for the rapid adjustment of the position of all of theconnection points from which lines pass to the crane hook so as tocompensate for differences in the centre of gravity which occur in thelength of a module. The device described also allows for altering thespread between pairs of cables on one side of the frame effecting achange in the dependant angle from vertical of the pair of lines whichpass to the crane hook on one side of the module so as to move thecentre of crane attachment to one side of the long axis of the frame soas to compensate for changes in the centre of gravity of loads whichoccur in the width of the module suspended from it.

Reinforcing Members

Further the invention comprise a system of standardized reinforcingmembers which connect with each other and with the columns, lateralframing, diagonal bracing and corner blocks described herein,eliminating the need for case-by-case design and fabrication orcustomization of reinforcement components.

Reinforcement Analysis

Further, the present invention comprises a work method forsystematically analysing the forces acting on a building composed ofmodules, defining the optimum location for the application of thestandardized reinforcing systems, selecting from a list of standardizedreinforcements with progressive buckling and uplift resistance andthereby incorporating only such reinforcements as are minimallynecessary to strengthen the areas under additional stress, withoutadding unnecessary structural material to more locations than required,without significantly disrupting the application of fireproofingmaterials and without requiring additional thickness of the walls of themodule.

Built Up Columns

Further, the present invention comprises a method for the fabricationand connection of the outer columns so they form groupings with greaterresistance to the compressive and tensile forces resulting from theloads encountered in the construction of tall and/or slender buildings.

In a particular embodiment the resistance to horizontal drift, bucklingand uplift of the columns is increased by joining two or more columns bywelding along their vertical edges or other suitable means in to groupsand welding or otherwise attaching these groups to the connector blocksin the areas provide for the purpose.

In a particular embodiment the columns are comprised of plates joined bywelding or other suitable means along their edges and these assembliesare welded or otherwise joined to the blocks. In a particular embodimentthese plates are 1″ or more in thickness. In another particularembodiment, the plate columns by-pass the blocks to which they arewelded and make contact with the top and bottom faces of the gussetplate along the ends of the plates.

In a particular embodiment the columns are progressively larger andengage blocks having correspondingly larger bodies and connectionfeatures. In a particular embodiment these columns are 4″ square, 6″square, 8″ square, 10″ square, rectangular and so on, or the metricequivalents, corresponding to standard structural hollow metal orcomposite sections.

Benefits

Increases Height without Frame

By eliminating the risk of inadvertently creating a connection which isnot fully compressed during assembly and which is therefore not fullyfixed, and by providing for a larger number of fasteners, and byfacilitating the placement of the reinforcement, the system ofcomponents and work methods of the present invention can serve toincrease the height of a building which can be built without therequirement for a secondary external or internal bracing frame, and toincrease its useable floor area due to involving a larger portion of themembers in the structural function and the enhanced fixity of theconnections, the creation and assurance of multiple and redundant loadpaths, the integration of the brace frame in to the module walls and theresulting efficient transfer of the external, internal and self-loadsimposed on the completed building through the adjacent modules andthence to the ground.

Increases Height with Frame

By reducing the amount of steel required in upper floors and thus itstotal weight, this invention also serves to increases the height of abuilding which is built with the use of a secondary external or internalbracing frame of a given size.

Reduces Number of Unique Parts, Number of Locations and Size of Members

By analyzing the loads applied and more efficiently involving more ofthe required members in the structural function the invention alsoreduces the size of members required and limits the number, size andlocations where unique reinforcement details and the related complexityof the fireproofing is required, thereby reducing the cost of suchbuildings.

Reduces Requirement for Precision

The present invention can help to further reduces the precision of theparts which must be made by workers in the modular production facility,which reduces the cost of the fabrication.

Reduces Complex Fabrication

The present invention concentrates many of the complex features requiredto join members, hoist modules and join modules in a singlemass-produced component, helping to reduce both the complexity and therequirement for skilled work necessary to construct a module.

Allows Taller and Wider

Additionally the system can allow the building of taller modulescomposed of two stacked frames one of which has openings in the ceilingand the other of which has openings in the floor, longer modules due tothe performance of the bracing and wider modules due to the improvedbehavior of the apertures in the ends, thus providing greaterflexibility to designers of buildings so constructed.

Reduces Wall Thickness

By better perfectly distributing the load-bearing components the presentinvention can help to reduce the wall thickness required to accommodatestructure and services.

Reduces Site Labour for Patching

By placing the tension connections within the wall cavity andconcentrating the connection means in the vicinity of the column, thepresent invention can help to reduce both the number and the extent ofthe leave-out areas which must be subsequently patched.

The invention in accordance with an embodiment disclosed in thespecification will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

FIGS. 1-3 disclose an embodiment of a lower connector 2. The lowerconnector is generally made up of lower connector body 4, with arms 6extending from the lower connector body 4. The lower connector body 4 atone end, designated as the lower connector body column receiving end 8,is adapted for receiving and coupling to a column, post or otherstructural unit of a modular frame; while the other end, designated asthe lower connector body gusset contact end 10, is adapted for couplingto a gusset plate 82. In addition, in one embodiment, the lowerconnector body 4 can be provided with a lower connector body aperture 58for coupling of the lower connector body 4 to a part or unit that canhelp in forming a modular structure (FIG. 9).

The lower connector body column receiving end 8 is provided withfeatures that can assist in coupling to the column, post or otherstructural unit of a modular frame (FIG. 9). In the embodiment shown,the lower connector body 4 is provided with lower connector body weldreceiving bevel 54 and weld backer 56 extending from the lower connectorbody weld receiving bevel 54. Such features can assist with properplacement of column, post or other structural unit and for forming aweld, and can in some embodiments, do not require any modification ofthe column, post or other structural unit.

The lower connector body 4 is also provided with a lower connector bodygusset contact face 50 at the lower connector body gusset end 10, andthat can come in contact with a gusset plate 82, as described herein. Inthe embodiment disclosed herein, the lower connector body gusset contactface 50 is generally planar (FIG. 3). In one embodiment, for example andwithout limitation, the lower connector body gusset contact face 50 canbe provided with weep channels 60 that can allow for drainage of anywater, condensate or other liquid out of the lower connector 2.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the lower connector 2 is providedwith a pair of arms 6 extending from the lower connector body 4. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6 (lower connector is FIGS. 1-3 and upperconnector in FIGS. 4-6), the arms are positioned to be perpendicular toeach other, i.e., one arm extends at nearly 90° to the second arm.However, the position of the arms can be varied depending upon thedesign and application requirements, and the arms can be present atangles less than or greater than 90° (please see FIGS. 7 and 8, wherethe arms extend in opposing directions).

Due to the placement of the lower connector 2 in a modular structure(FIG. 9), the lower connector is provided with a lower connector innerface 22 and the lower connector outer face 24. The lower connector innerface 22 is designated by the modular structure that is formed, with theface of the connector being positioned towards the modular structurebeing considered as the lower connector inner face 22, and the face ofthe lower connector 2 positioned away from the inside of the modularstructure being designated as the lower connector outer face 24.

In the embodiment shown, the lower connector arms 6 has a lowerconnector arm load bearing face 40 and lower connector arm beam contactface 42, which can engage a beam or other structural unit to form themodular structure. In the embodiment shown, the lower connector arm loadbearing face 40 lies is a plane different than the plane of the lowerconnector body column receiving end 8, with the plane of the lowerconnector arm load bearing face 40 being more closer to the plane havingthe lower connector body gusset end 10 than the plan of the lowerconnector body column receiving end 8. This results in the lowerconnector arm load bearing face 40 being spaced-apart from the lowerconnector body column receiving end 8, and can help with the weldoperation to form the modular structural unit (FIG. 9).

The lower connector arm 6 can be provided with fixing apertures 28 thatcan be used for coupling of the lower connector 2 to the upper connector102, and for forming the connector assembly 1, disclosed herein. In oneembodiment, as disclosed in the Figures, the fixing apertures 28 can bepositioned closer to the lower connector inner face 22, which can helpto provide a lower connector arm load bearing surface 52 positionedcloser to the lower connector outer 24. The lower connector arm loadbearing surface 52 can provide an area on the arms 6 for positioning andbearing the load of additional structural features of a modularstructure. In other preferred embodiment, there can be more holes orless holes as required by the loads to be transmitted and thepositioning of load bearing elements bearing upon the surfaces of theblocks.

In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the lowerconnector arm load bearing face 40 can be provided with edges that arebeveled 62. These can provide a location for the weld between the edgeof the lower end of the reinforcing members (for an embodiment of areinforcing member, please see 405 in FIGS. 17, 18 and 19) and the outeredge of the upper face of the block such that the member being joineddoes not require beveling and the weld will not project beyond thesurface and additionally requires a minimum of grinding to make the weldflush.

The arms 6 of the lower connector 2 are also provided with a boss 44extending from the lower connector arm beam contact face 42, which ispositioned at a distal end of the arms 6 that extend from the lowerconnector body 4. The boss 44 can be provided with features for couplingof the lower connector arm 6 to the beam or other structural unit of amodular frame. In one embodiment, the boss 44 is provided with a lowerconnector weld receiving bevel 34 having a lower connector arm weldreceiving backer 36 extending from the bevel 34, and which can assist informing a weld with a beam or other structural unit of a modular frame(FIG. 9).

In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the boss 44 canbe positioned towards one side of the beam contacting face 42 of thelower connector arm 6. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the boss44 is positioned proximate to the outer face 24 of the lower connector2, and is also spaced from the edge of the lower connector arm 6 closeto the lower connector inner face 22. By positioning the boss 44 closeto the outer face 24, a channel 64 is provided on the beam contactingface 42 of the lower connector arm 6 close to the inner face 22. Thechannel 64 can provide space for passing wires or other conduits in amodular structure.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of a lower connector 2 havingfeatures similar to the lower connector 2 embodiment disclosed in FIGS.1-3. The embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 7 and 8 have arms extending inopposing directions, rather than being perpendicular to each other asshown in FIGS. 1-3. The direction of the arms 6 is not particularlylimited and can vary depending upon the application and designrequirements, as should be recognized by a person of skill in the artbased on the teaching in this specification.

FIGS. 4 to 6 disclose an embodiment of an upper connector 102. The upperconnector 102 is generally made up of upper connector body 104, witharms 106 extending from the upper connector body 104. The upperconnector body 104 at one end, designated as the upper connector bodycolumn receiving end 108, is adapted for receiving and coupling to acolumn, post or other structural unit of a modular frame; while theother end, designated as the upper connector body gusset contact end110, is adapted for coupling to a gusset plate 82. The gusset plate asshown in FIG. 10 provides the locating pin and takes up the verticalspace created by the gusset plate as shown in FIG. 11, which are used totie adjacent modules together. In addition, in one embodiment, the upperconnector body 104 can be provided with an upper connector body aperture158 for coupling of the upper connector body 104 to a part or unit thatcan help in forming a modular structure (FIG. 9).

The upper connector body column receiving end 108 is provided withfeatures that can assist in coupling to the column, post or otherstructural unit of a modular frame. In the embodiment shown, the upperconnector body 104 is provided with upper connector body weld receivingbevel 154 (FIG. 6) and weld backer 156 extending from the upperconnector body weld receiving bevel 154. Such features can assist withproper placement of column, post or other structural unit and forforming a weld, and can in some embodiments, do not require anymodification of the column, post or other structural unit.

The upper connector body 104 is also provided with an upper connectorbody gusset contact face 132 at the upper connector body gusset end 110,and that can come in contact with a gusset plate 82, as describedherein. In the embodiment disclosed herein, the upper connector bodygusset contact face 132 is generally planar (FIGS. 4 and 5). In oneembodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper connector body gussetcontact face 132 can be provided with a T-shaped opening 160 that can beused for lifting and moving a modular assembly, as further disclosedherein and in the PCT application noted-above, which incorporated hereinby reference.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, the upper connector 102 isprovided with a pair of arms 106 extending from the upper connector body104. In the embodiment shown, the arms are positioned to beperpendicular to each other, i.e., one arm extends at nearly 90° to thesecond arm. However, the position of the arms can be varied dependingupon the design and application requirements, and the arms can bepresent at angles less than or greater than 90°. Moreover, like thelower connector 2, the upper connector arms 106 can lie in the sameplane as the upper connector gusset contact face 132 to provide a flator planar surface that is contact with the gusset plate 82.

Due to the placement of the upper connector 102 in a modular structure(FIG. 9), the upper connector 102 is provided with an upper connectorinner face 112 and the upper connector outer face 114. The upperconnector inner face 112 is designated by the modular structure that isformed, with the face of the connector being positioned towards themodular structure being considered as the upper connector inner face112, and the face of the upper connector 102 positioned away from theinside of the modular structure being designated as the upper connectorouter face 114.

In the embodiment shown, the upper connector arms 106 has an upperconnector arm gusset contact face 116, upper connector arm load bearingface 162 (FIG. 6) and an upper connector arm beam contact face 120,which can engage a beam or other structural unit to form the modularstructure. In the embodiment shown, the upper connector arm load bearingface 162 lies is a plane different than the plane of the upper connectorbody column receiving end 108, with the plane of the upper connector armload bearing face 162 being more closer to the plane having the upperconnector body gusset end 110 than the plan of the upper connector bodycolumn receiving end 108. The positioning of the upper connector armload bearing face 162 results in it being spaced-apart from the upperconnector body column receiving end 108, and can help with the weldoperation to form the modular structural unit.

The upper connector arm 106 can be provided with fixing apertures 128that can be used for coupling of the lower connector 2 to the upperconnector 102, and for forming the connector assembly 1, disclosedherein. In one embodiment, as disclosed in the Figures, the fixingapertures 128 can be positioned closer to the upper connector inner face112, which can help to provide an upper connector arm load bearingsurface 164 positioned closer to the upper connector outer 114. Theupper connector arm load bearing surface 164 can provide an area on thearms 106 for positioning and bearing the load of additional structuralfeatures of a modular structure. In addition, the upper connector arm106 can be provided with upper connector arm gusset coupling aperture130. The position of the upper connector arm gusset coupling aperture130 is not particularly limited, and in one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 4-6 is positioned proximate to the upper connector outer face 114.

The arms 106 of the upper connector 102 are also provided with a boss122 extending from the upper connector arm beam contact face 120, whichis positioned at a distal end of the arms 106 that extend from the upperconnector body 104. The boss 122 can be provided with features forcoupling of the upper connector arm 106 to the beam or other structuralunit of a modular frame. In one embodiment, the boss 122 is providedwith an upper connector weld receiving bevel 124 having an upperconnector arm weld receiving backer 126 extending from the bevel 124,and which can assist in forming a weld with a beam or other structuralunit of a modular frame (FIG. 9).

In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the boss 122 canbe positioned towards one side of the beam contacting face 120 of theupper connector arm 106. In the embodiment shown in the figures, theboss 122 is positioned proximate to the outer face 114 of the upperconnector 102, and is also spaced from the edge of the upper connectorarm 106 close to the upper connector inner face 112. By positioning theboss 122 close to the outer face 114, a channel 166 is provided on thebeam contacting face 120 of the upper connector arm 106 close to theinner face 112. The channel 166 can provide space for passing wires orother conduits in a modular structure similar to that as used in thelower connector 2.

The terms “upper” and “lower” as used herein, and particularly withrespect to the connectors, are relative and can be interchanged.However, for the purpose of describing the connector assembly 1, upperconnector 102 refers to connector that would typically be positioned atan upper corner or upper end of a modular frame that can be lifted andpositioned on a second (or lower) modular frame. While lower connectors2 refer to connectors positioned on the lower corner or lower end of amodular frame, and that would be closer to ground or floor (than theupper connector).

In the embodiments shown, the upper corner connector (102) and lowercorner connector (2) can be made from hollow castings of steel. Theconnectors can have mechanical properties such as tensile strength andductility equal to or greater than mild steel and metallurgicalproperties such that the connector can be welded to mild steel withstandard practices such as structural metal inert gas (MIG) welding.

In a further embodiment, the upper and lower connectors (102, 2) eachhave a body (104, 4), respectively, which in one particular embodimentcan be hollow. The upper connector body (104) and the lower connectorbody (4) can have a variety of shapes depending upon the design andapplication requirements. However, in the figures, the upper and lowerconnectors (102, 2) have a shape having a square cross-section.

In one embodiment, the connector bodies (102, 4) are 4″ square to accepta 4″×4″ Hollow Structural Section (HSS). In another embodiment, theconnector bodies (102, 4) are 6″ square to accept a 6″×6″ HSS.Connectors 102 and 2 have adequate thickness for the intended functionand details such as draft angles and uniformity of sections whichfacilitate casting. In a particular embodiment, the casting are drilledand surfaces milled to a high accuracy as measured between centres ofthe apertures 28 and the other apertures, as well as the faces of theblock. Additionally, perpendicularity and parallelism are similarlymaintained to high tolerances, or other tolerances as may be convenient.In another embodiment, the connector is made by assembling one or moreof rolled sections, flat or brake-formed plate by welding or mechanicalmeans. In a further embodiment, the part is made by casting non-ferrous,plastic, cementitious or any other suitable material. In anotherembodiment, the portions of the blocks to which the columns and armswill be connected can have features to locate the HSS and facilitatewelding.

The connector assembly can be formed by sandwiching the gusset plate(82, 92) between the upper connector and lower connector (FIGS. 10 and11). The gusset plate (82, 92) shown has two faces, where the first facecan be in contact with lower connector and the second face can becontact with the upper connector. In addition, the gusset plate (82, 92)is provided with through holes 85, which align with apertures on theupper connector and lower connector, allowing fastening of theconnectors using fastening means 80. The fastening means 80 is notparticularly limited, and can include nut and bolts, screws.

The arms of the connectors also have bosses (44,122) which providelocation to the longitudinal and transverse members of the module frameand backing for the assembly welds. In the embodiment shown, the edgesof the arms of the upper and lower connectors have beveled edges. Bevels(34, 124) provide a location for the weld bead which allows the weld tolie flush and eliminates the need to bevel the connected member.

The outer faces of connector body can have a plurality of holes (orbores) which are threaded or unthreaded as required by circumstances foruse in the connection of column groups, hallway slabs, fixtures,hoisting means or other useful features through the use of bolts, pins,clips, joining plates or other fastening means. In another embodiment,the connector is taller and additional holes are provided for the use ofadditional fasteners or the addition of additional bracing or otherfeatures. In another embodiment, the connector is more or less than4-sided and not quadrilateral, but rather has trapezoidal, parallelogramor other shapes so as to facilitate the production of round, curving,tapering, star-shaped or other building forms.

As described above, the lower connector 2 has arms 6 with holes (orapertures) for the passage of tension bolts 80 which pass through gussetplate 82 to secure the module vertically and provide a continuoustension and moment connection which passes loads through the connectionbetween the stacked columns and the horizontal beams. Similar featurescan be provided in the upper connector for similar objectives. In afurther embodiment, these arms project perpendicular to the surface, inanother embodiment they have tapered sides so as to permit theconnection of members at an angle and in another embodiment the whole ofthe arms projects at an angle.

In one embodiment, the gusset plate 82 is cut from steel plate or othermaterial having adequate thickness and mechanical properties for theintended function. In a further embodiment, it is ⅜″ thick. The gussetplate 82 has through holes 85, countersunk holes 86 and at least onelocating pin 88. Flathead screws 83 passed through holes 86 and threadedin to holes 130 in upper connector 102 accurately unite adjacent columnsand thus whole modules. The ductility of plate 82 in the vertical planeensures that the column groups are acting together to sustain largeloads. The precision of the location of holes 86 for the flathead screwsand the corresponding holes in the connectors ensures module-to-moduletolerances are maintained and controlled.

The gusset plate 82 can be sized to fit on top of 1, 2, 3, 4 or morecolumns providing equivalent vertical separation in all locations andforming groups of 2, 3, 4 or more modules (FIGS. 11, 14-19). FIG. 11shows a plate joining 2 columns which joins and interconnects thecorresponding modules creating a structural diaphragm that unites allfloors of the modules so connected on that level and in turn unites thebuilding in a structural whole (see plate 92 in FIG. 11 and plate 680and 681 in FIG. 38). The gusset plate 82 can be provided with one ormore pins 88 on the face contacting the lower connector 2. The locatingpins 88 can engage with a locating pin receiving aperture 46 positionedon the lower connector body gusset contact face 50, which can help withproper positioning of the lower connector 2.

To create the floor frame of a module, longitudinal floor beam andlateral floor beam are cut to length (FIGS. 9 and 10). In a particularembodiment, these beams are 3″×8″ HSS for the perimeter and 3″×6″ HSSfor the infill members. Because the locating and welding fixture,described herein, positions the pre-machined connecting blocks anddefines the hole locations and their locations relative to each other,provides the exterior dimensions of the assembly, the fixture ensuresthat modules made using the fixture conform to the established gridpreviously described. In addition, the features on the blocks ensurethat the beams do not require beveling on the edges of the ends and thecutting to length operation is not critical in either length orsquareness. The beams are coupled to corresponding arms 6 on the lowercorner connector 2 and welded in the manner previously described.

A person skilled in the art should recognize that the assembly of theceiling follows a similar process using members of an appropriate sizeplaced in the same fixture. In a particular embodiment, these are 3″×3″HSS for the perimeter with 2″×2″ HSS for the infill members. Thus bothtop and bottom frames capture the outer dimensions of the same fixtureand are coordinated.

A suitable material such as fibre-cement board, or steel sheet deck andconcrete toping, or steel-composite sheet decking is applied to the topface of the floor beams of the module floor thus built, and fastenedappropriately, or concrete or other material is filled between theframing so as to support occupant loads and provide the necessarydiaphragm action to the module and in turn to a building composed ofmodules. Similarly, material such as drywall or fire-proof board andinsulation of a variety of types depending on conditions is applied tothe surfaces of the framing and boards and in voids in walls andceilings to provide a variety of functions such as privacy to theoccupants, to provide fireproofing to the structure and to limit thetransmission of sound. Please see FIG. 12 that shows loose piece 105that is positioned in aperture 104 to attain the properties describedherein.

By positioning the boss which functions as a positioning means and as abacker for the welded structural connection to the arm of the block atthe distal end of the arm, instead of at its base, the present inventioneliminates the need for the holes in the HSS and positions theload-bearing faces of the adjoining connector bodies in direct contact,thus ensuring a connection with a high degree of fixity and lesslikelihood of settlement due to incorrect assembly.

This direct contact ensures that the connection formed by the memberscan develop the full strength and load-transmitting capability of whichthe connection is capable while reducing the amount of work required toprepare the connector and the HSS for assembly.

Additionally, the configuration of the connector of the presentinvention provides for a greater number of fasteners so as to increasethe tension capacity of the connection as well as providing a greaterarea for the connection of supplementary reinforcing members whichincrease both the buckling resistance and the tension capacity of thestructure so produced (FIG. 22, 28-32).

As would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art, thefeatures disclosed and discussed in the embodiments of the upperconnector may be applied on the lower connector, and vice versa, asneeded based on the application and design requirements. Additionalembodiments of the upper and lower connectors are described furtherherein based on reference to the accompanying figures.

FIG. 13 discloses a flooring slab 108 of monolithic constructionincorporating pedestal 95 that rests upon and connected to extendedgusset plate, lower connector or upper connector. FIGS. 14-16, 18 and 19show the increasing area of a section of the assembly that goes from asingle column to a wider plate, and also shows an increase in the sizeof the sections going from a single column to increase in size of thecolumn and number of columns.

A third embodiment of the lower column connector 499 is disclosed inFIG. 20, which has a flange or plate 500 extending from the arms towardsthe inner face of the lower column connector 499. The flange or plate500 can be used for supporting a floor or ceiling structure. In oneembodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the flange or plate 499 lies in thesame plane (co-planar) as the lower connector arm load bearing face 40,so as to provide a continuous backer in the area. In a particularembodiment, the flange or plate 499 can be provided with connectionholes 501 that can be used for fastening or coupling a floor or ceilingwith the lower column connector 499. In a related embodiment, the upperconnector may also be equipped with similar features.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show a fourth and fifth embodiment of lower columnconnector 520. As shown in the embodiments, the lower connector 520 canbe made using arms (511, 521) of varying length that can be used,depending upon the design and application requirements. Moreover, thearms (511, 521) can be provided with a varying number of holes 512,which are formed based on the application and design requirements.

FIG. 23 discloses a sixth embodiment of a lower column connector thatcan be used in accordance with the specification. In the embodiment, thearms 531 extend in opposing directions, rather than at 90° as shown inFIGS. 21 and 22. As would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill inthe art, the direction of the arms can be varied, with the arms beingless than or more than 90°, as required. Further to the above, FIGS.20-23 disclose an alternate embodiment of the arms (511, 521, 531) wherethe channel is formed by providing a cut-out on the inner face of thearms.

FIG. 24 discloses a second embodiment of an upper column connector 540that can be used in accordance with the specification. Analogous to thelower connector shown in FIGS. 21-23, the arm length of the upper columnconnector 540 can be varied. Further, the embodiment discloses analternate embodiment of the arms 541 where the channel is formed byproviding a cut-out on the inner face of the arms. FIG. 24 discloses anupper connector configured so as to mate with the lower connector shownin FIG. 21. As would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in theart, the upper blocks vary in length and the number of holes so as toengage with the lower blocks which are fastened to them.

A seventh embodiment of the lower column connector is shown in FIGS. 25and 26. The lower column connector 550 is provided with apertures 551 inthe arms of the connector 550 that extend from the inner face to theouter face of the connector 550. By forming apertures 551 that extendfrom the inner face to the outer face of the connector 550, the extentof drilling in the arms (for passage of bolts or other fastening means)can be reduced. In a particular embodiment (as shown in FIGS. 25 and26), the arms with apertures 551 can be reinforced by ribs 553 that canhelp to increase the load bearing capacity and also can help to preventtwisting of the arms of the connector 550.

An eighth embodiment of the lower connector is shown in FIGS. 28 and 29that can be used as a lower plate connector 580 for connection with acolumn plate 581. In the embodiment shown, the outer face of the armshas a cut-out that can engage with a column plate. Further, the cut-outon the outer surface of the arms results in the lower connector arm beamcontact face extending towards the outer face of the arm. This providesa weld preparation 583, that can a beveled surface as shown in FIG. 29.

Further to the above, a cavity 587 can be formed on the outer face ofthe arms. The edges of the arms forming the cavity can also be beveledto provide additional surface for welding of the column plate to thelower connector 580. In addition, weep holes 585 can be formed in thearms for providing a route for drainage, as may be needed.

A third embodiment of the upper connector is shown in FIGS. 30 and 31that can be used as an upper plate connector 580. Analogous to the lowerconnector shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the upper plate can be used forconnection with a column plate 581. In the embodiment shown, the outerface of the arms has a cut-out that can engage with a column plate.Further, the cut-out on the outer surface of the arms results in theupper connector arm beam contact face extending towards the outer faceof the arm. This provides a weld preparation 602 that can be a beveledsurface as shown in FIG. 31.

Further to the above, a cavity can be formed on the outer face of thearms. The edges of the arms forming the cavity can also be beveled toprovide additional surface for welding of the column plate to the upperconnector 604. In addition, holes (605, 606) can be formed in the armsfor allowing fastening of the upper connector to a gusset plate or lowerconnector. In addition, an opening 607 to engage a hoisting means canalso be provided.

A ninth embodiment of the lower column connector with shear resistanceslots 620 is shown in FIGS. 32 and 33. In the embodiment shown, theconnector 620 is provided with features on the gusset contact face thatcan engage corresponding features on the gusset plate so as to increasethe resistance to slippage along the contact plane, as can occur duringa seismic event. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the gussetcontact face of the lower connector 620 is provided with slots 621 thatcan engage with resistance bars 640 on the gusset plate 643 (on shown inFIG. 34). Further the area 622 around the slots can be thickened so asto provide further support for the slots 621.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 28-31 can be used to provide resistanceto horizontal drift, buckling and uplift of the columns by joining twoor more columns by welding along their vertical edges or other suitablemeans in to groups and welding or attaching these groups to theconnector blocks in the areas provided for the purposes. In a particularembodiment, the columns are made of plates joined by welding or othersuitable means along their edges and these assemblies are welded orotherwise joined to the blocks.

FIG. 35 discloses a fourth embodiment of an upper column connector 650that can be used in accordance with the specification. The upperconnector 650 has features analogous to the lower connector shown inFIGS. 32 and 33. In the embodiment shown, the connector 650 is providedwith features on the gusset contact face that can engage correspondingfeatures on the gusset plate so as to increase the resistance toslippage along the contact plane, as can occur during a seismic event.In the embodiment shown, the gusset contact face of the upper connector650 is provided with slots 621 that can engage with resistance bars 640on the gusset plate 643 (on shown in FIG. 34). Further the area 622around the slots can be thickened so as to provide further support forthe slots 621. Moreover, the slot area 621 can be provided by holes toreceive fasteners to fasten the upper connector 650 with the gussetplate.

An embodiment of the gusset plate 643 with shear resistance bars isdisclosed in FIG. 34 (a & b). As discussed above, the shear resistancebars 640 engage slots on the upper and lower connectors to preventslippage as might occur during an seismic event and also can help toreduce the load that such movement can apply to the shanks of thevertical tension fasteners. In a particular embodiment, an extendedgusset plate 641 can be formed and provided with holes for the passageof fasteners to support and engage accessory support and connectionassemblies of a variety of sizes.

FIG. 36 show an alternate embodiment of a connector assembly inaccordance with the specification, which is analogous to the connectorassembly shown and disclosed herein with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.The connector assembly can be formed by sandwiching the gusset plate 643between the upper connector 650 having shear resistance slots and lowerconnector 620 with shear resistance slots. The gusset plate 643 shownhas two faces, where the first face can be in contact with lowerconnector 620 and the second face can be contact with the upperconnector 650. In addition, the gusset plate 643 is provided shearresistance bars 640 that engage the slots in the upper and lowerconnectors. Further, the gusset plate 643 has through holes, which alignwith apertures on the upper connector 606 and lower connector, allowingfastening of the connectors using fastening means 80.

The fastening means 80 is not particularly limited, and can include nutand bolts, screws. In a particular embodiment, as shown FIG. 36,vertical tension fasteners 80 are inserted in holes in the lowerconnector 620 that pass through the gusset plate 643 and couple with theupper connector 650. Further, gusset plate fasteners 83 are insertedpassed through the gusset plate 643 and engage holes (that can bethreaded) in the upper connector 650. In the embodiment shown in FIG.36, the gusset plate fasteners 83 engage holes that are positioned inthe slots in the upper connector 650.

In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37, the fasteners 500 caninserted first into the upper connector 675, passed through holes in thegusset plate 672 and engage the lower block 670. This method offastening allows the fastener to be inserted from the bottom-up, ratherthan top-down as shown in FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 shows connection of an accessory connection block 683 to anextended portion 681 of a gusset plate 680. As shown with respect toFIGS. 11-13, the accessory connection block 94 can be fastened to alower connector, which can then be used to support a hallway slab 108 orother flooring surface. The accessory connection block 683 (see FIG. 38)can be fastened using fasteners (684, 685) to the extended portion 681of the gusset plate 680.

FIG. 39 shows a side and perspective views of a structurally graduatedstack with increasing number of structural elements 696, with increasingweight per foot and load-bearing capacity in the direction of arrow 692,as shown in the figure. In the structure shown, the lower most portionhas a portion of column fabricated with a built up plate 694. As thevertical position of the structure increases, the connection blocks withvarious arm lengths, as shown and disclosed herein can be used.

FIG. 40 shows an alternate embodiment of a structurally graduated stack(700, 701) having column to connector size transition adapters 570. Anembodiment of the column to connector size transition adapters 570 isshown in FIG. 27. The adapters 570 are provided with two sloping faces573 and two vertical faces. The portion of the adapter 570 that engagesthe column is provided with weld backer 571 for connecting the adapterto the column. Reinforcing ribs 572 are also provided that can help withthe structural integrity of the adapter 570. The other portion of theadapter 570 that engages with the connector is also provided withjoining features 574, such as a weld backer. The adapter 570 can be usedin the stack shown in FIG. 40.

Further, analogous to the stack shown in FIG. 39, the stack (700, 701)in FIG. 40, the structurally graduated stack with increasing number oftubular elements 704 has increasing weight per foot and load-bearingcapacity in the direction of arrow 702, as shown in the figure. In thestructure shown, the lower most portion has a portion of columnfabricated with a built up plate 703. As the vertical position of thestructure increases, the connection blocks with various arm lengths, asshown and disclosed herein can be used. The columns are joined togetherby welding along their vertical edges which creates a shear wall.

Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments canbe made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to beillustrative and not restrictive. Further, reference numerals have beenused in the claims for solely to assist with construing the claims.

No. Description No. Description No. Description 2 Lower connector 4Lower connector 6 Lower connector body arm 8 lower connector 10 lowerconnector 20 lower connector body column body gusset arm gussetreceiving end contact end contact end 22 lower connector 24 lowerconnector 28 Fixing aperture arm inner face arm outer face 34 lowerconnector 36 lower connector 40 lower connector arm weld arm weld armload receiving bevel backer bearing face 42 lower connector 44 lowerconnector 46 locating pin arm beam arm boss receiving contact faceaperture 50 lower connector 52 Load bearing 54 lower connector bodygusset surface on lower body weld contact face connector arm receivingbevel 56 Lower connector 58 Aperture 60 Weep channels body weld Backer62 Arm edge bevel 64 Channel 102 Upper connector 104 Upper connector 106Upper connector body arm 108 upper connector 110 Upper connector 112upper connector body column body gusset arm inner face receiving end end114 upper connector 116 upper connector 118 upper connector arm outerface arm gusset arm load contact face bearing face 120 upper connector122 upper connector 124 upper connector arm beam arm boss arm weldcontact face receiving bevel 126 upper connector 128 upper connector 130upper connector arm weld arm fixing arm gusset backer aperture couplingaperture 132 upper connector 154 Upper connector 156 Upper connectorbody gusset body weld body weld contact face receiving bevel backer 158Upper connector 160 Upper connector 162 Upper connector body aperturebody T-shaped arm load opening bearing face 164 Upper connector 166Channel arm load bearing surface 80 Moment block 82 Gusset plate 83Gusset plate connection connection fasteners fasteners 85 Holes forpassage 86 Holes for fixing 88 Module locating of moment block gussetplate pin connection fasteners FIG. 11 90 Vertical mateline 91 Doublegusset 92 Hallway pedestal between two plate landing extension adjacentmodules on gusset plate 94 Intermediate hallway 95 Split hallway support97 Support pedestal support pedestal pedestal for hallway shear studsslab end 98 Support pedestal 99 Support pedestal fasteners fasteneraccess hole FIG. 12 100 Floor board in 101 Floor slab in hallway 103Surface in contact module with underside of hallway slab 104 Momentblock 105 Leave-out pieces of 107 Horizontal connection fasteners modulefloor board mateline between installed to flush installed after twolayers of condition assembly modules FIG. 13 108 Hallway slab 400Isometric view of 401 Plan view of partial 402 Plan view of partialrange of range of column partial range of column types that 2 types thata 4″ × 4″ column types that moment block types block can be a 6″ × 6″block can be connected to can be connected connected to to FIG. 17 403Location of welds to 405 Reinforcing members 407 Location of welds upperface of arms joining vertical of lower block reinforcing members tocolumn 409 Diagonal brace 411 Location of welds of 413 Bolts to unitediagonal brace to be adjacent column executed while frame reinforcementsis in fixture 415 Range of diagonal brace adjustment prior to welding inplace FIG. 18 420 Views of single 421 Views of combined 423 HSS columnwith module corner module corner bar reinforcement columns columns 424HSS column 425 Column fabricated 427 Diagonal brace reinforced by fromplate fabricated from bundling adjacent channels joined back to back 429Fastener access 430 Reinforcement at openings in HSS fastener accesscolumns opening FIG. 19 432 Range of adjustment of diagonal brace duringassembly FIG. 20 500 plate for supporting 501 fastening holes in 502accessory floor material and floor support plate connection holesestablishing a seal in the corner area FIG. 21 510 single hole 511 Shortarm 512 single hole in connection block short arm with shortened armsFIG. 22 520 connector with 521 Arms 522 dashed lines longer arms andshowing possible three holes for arm lengths vertical tension bolts FIG.23 530 intermediate lower 531 Short arms 532 accessory connector withshort connection points arms FIG. 24 540 upper corner 541 shortened arms542 single vertical connection block tension bolt FIG. 25 550 lowercorner 551 Apertures 552 exposed shanks connector with of verticaltension apertures and bolts reinforcing ribs 553 reinforcing ribs FIG.26 550 lower corner 551 Apertures 553 reinforcing ribs connector withapertures and reinforcing ribs FIG. 27 570 column to connector 571 Weldbacker 572 Reinforcing ribs size transition adapter 573 Sloping faces574 joining features on lower face FIG. 28 580 lower plate 581 columnmade of 582 end bars on outer connector plate edge of plate column 583weld preparation at 584 weld preparation at 585 Weep hole arm end loweredge of plate 586 Bolt holes 587 Cavity FIG. 29 580 lower plate 581column made of 583 weld preparation connector plate at arm end 586 boltholes FIG. 30 580 upper plate 581 column made of 601 upper end ofconnector plate column made of plate 602 location of vertical 603location of welds to 604 location of welds weld on arm end upper face ofarm to underside of and body arm and body 605 threaded holes to 606threaded hole to receive vertical receive gusset plate tension fastenersfasteners (typ) (typ) FIG. 31 580 upper plate 601 upper end of column602 location of connector made of plate vertical weld on arm end 603location of welds to 605 threaded holes to 606 threaded hole to upperface of arm receive vertical receive gusset and body tension fastenersplate fasteners (typ) (typ) 607 opening to engage hoisting means FIG. 32620 lower connection 621 shear resistance 622 thickened area block withshear slots for slot resistance slots FIG. 33 620 lower connection 621shear slots 622 thickened area block with shear for slot resistanceslots FIG. 34 643 gusset plate with 640 shear resistance bars 641optional extended shear resistance bars gusset plate with additionalshear resistance bars 82 gusset plate FIG. 35 650 upper connection 621shear resistance 622 thickened area block with shear slots for slotresistance slots 605 threaded holes to 606 threaded hole to 607 openingto receive vertical receive gusset plate engage hoisting tensionfasteners fasteners (typ) means (typ) FIG. 36 620 lower connection 650upper connection 621 shear resistance block with shear block with shearslots resistance slots resistance slots 605 threaded holes to 606threaded hole to 80 vertical tension receive vertical receive gussetplate fasteners tension fasteners fasteners (typ) (typ) 83 gusset plate643 gusset plate with 640 shear resistance fasteners shear resistancebars bars FIG. 37 80 vertical tension 670 lower block 671 threaded holesfasteners for engaging vertical tension fasteners 672 gusset plate with675 upper connection 676 drilled holes for through holes to blockpassing vertical pass fasteners or tension fasteners threaded holes forthrough lower engaging vertical block tension fasteners FIG. 38 680typical un-extended 681 extension of gusset 682 holes for the doublegusset plate plate connection of accessories 683 hallway slab or 684bolts or studs to 685 Fasteners for accessory connection engage toconcrete joining block or other material accessories FIG. 39 690 sideview of 691 perspective view of 692 increasing weight structurallystructurally per foot and load- graduated stack with graduated stackwith bearing capacity increasing numbers increasing numbers of verticalof vertical structural elements structural elements 694 portion ofcolumn 695 connection blocks 696 groups of vertical fabricated withbuilt with various arm structural up plate lengths elements FIG. 40 570column to connector 700 side view of 701 perspective view sizetransition structurally of structurally adapters graduated stack withgraduated stack increasing numbers with increasing of vertical numbersof structural elements vertical structural elements 702 increasingweight 703 portion of column 704 increasingly per foot and load-fabricated with built larger tubular bearing capacity up plate sections

1. A connector assembly, comprising an upper connector coupled to alower connector and a gusset plate sandwiched between the upper andlower connectors, the lower connector comprising: a lower connector bodyhaving a lower connector body column receiving end and a lower connectorbody gusset contact end, the column receiving end being adapted forreceiving a first end of a first module frame and the gusset contact endbeing adapted for coupling to the gusset plate; at least a pair of lowerconnector arms, each lower connector arm coupled to and extending fromthe lower connector body and having lower connector arm inner face, alower connector arm outer face, a lower connector arm gusset contactface, a lower connector arm load bearing face and a lower connector armbeam contact face, the beam contact face being positioned distal fromthe lower connector body, and each lower connector arm having at leastone fixing aperture on the load bearing face for receiving a fasteningmeans to couple the lower connector to the upper connector; and a lowerconnector arm boss coupled to and extending from the beam contact faceof each arm, the boss having a lower connector arm weld receiving bevelextending from the distal end of the arm and a lower connector arm weldbacker extending from the bevel; the upper connector comprising: anupper connector body having an upper connector body column receiving endand an upper connector body gusset contact end, the column receiving endbeing adapted for receiving a first end of a second module frame and thegusset contact end being adapted for coupling to the gusset plate; atleast a pair of upper connector arms, each upper connector arm coupledto and extending from the upper connector body and having an upperconnector arm inner face, an upper connector arm outer face, an upperconnector arm gusset contact face, an upper connector arm load bearingface and an upper connector arm beam contact face, the beam contact facebeing positioned distal from the upper connector body, and each upperconnector arm having at least one upper connector arm fixing aperturefor receiving a fastening means to couple the lower connector to theupper connector and at least one upper connector arm gusset couplingaperture for receiving a second fastening means to couple the upperconnector to the gusset plate; and an upper connector arm boss coupledto and extending from the upper connector arm beam contact face of eachupper connector arm, the boss having an upper connector arm weldreceiving bevel extending from the distal end of the arm and an upperconnector arm weld backer extending from the bevel; the gusset platecomprising: a gusset plate first face, a gusset plate second face andgusset plate through holes for receiving the coupling and fasteningmeans to couple the upper and lower connectors.
 2. The connectorassembly according to claim 1, further comprising a locating pinpositioned on the gusset plate first face for engaging a locating pinreceiving aperture on a lower connector body gusset contact face forpositioning the lower connector on the gusset plate.
 3. The connectorassembly according to claim 1, wherein the lower connector arm gussetcontact face lies in a plane defined by the lower connector body gussetcontact face.
 4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe fixing apertures are positioned proximate to the lower connector arminner face providing a load bearing surface proximate to the lowerconnector arm outer face.
 5. The connector assembly according to claim1, wherein the lower connector arm load bearing face is spaced from thelower connector body column receiving end.
 6. The connector assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the lower connector arm boss is positionedproximate to the lower connector arm outer face and spaced from the edgeproximate to the lower connector arm inner face.
 7. The connectorassembly according to claim 1, wherein the upper connector arm gussetcontact face lies in a plane defined by the upper connector body gussetcontact face.
 8. The connector assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe upper connector arm fixing apertures are positioned proximate to theupper connector arm inner face providing an upper connector arm loadbearing surface proximate to the upper connector arm outer face.
 9. Theconnector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the upper connector armload bearing face is spaced from the upper connector body columnreceiving end, with the upper connector arm load bearing face being moreproximate to the upper connector body gusset contact face than the upperconnector body column receiving end.
 10. The connector assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the upper connector arm boss is positionedproximate to the upper connector arm outer face and spaced from the edgeproximate to the upper connector arm inner face.
 11. The connectorassembly according to claim 1, wherein the lower connector body and/orthe upper connector body have one or more bores adapted for receivingaffixing means.
 12. The connector assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe upper connector body gusset contact face has a generally T-shapedopening.
 13. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein theupper connector body and/or the lower connector body has a columnreceiving bevel and a weld backer for cooperatively engaging a framestructure.
 14. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein thelower connector body and the upper connector body have a square shapedcross-section.
 15. The connector assembly according to claim 1, furthercomprising a flange or plate extending from the arms of the lowerconnector towards the inner face of the lower connector.
 16. Theconnector assembly according to claim 15, wherein the flange or plate iscoplanar with the lower connector arm load bearing face.
 17. Theconnector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lower connectorand/or upper connector have an aperture extending from the inner face tothe outer face, and further comprise diagonal reinforcing ribs.
 18. Theconnector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lower connectorand/or upper connector have a cut-out on the outer face and the arms ofthe connector extend towards the outer face of the arm.
 19. Theconnector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lower connectorand/or upper connector further comprise slots on the gusset contact facefor receiving bars on a gusset face.
 20. A hoistable connector assembly,comprising a connector as defined in claim 1 and a lifting devicedetachably attachable to the connector. 21-28. (canceled)